M42-Sony E tilt adapter

thingiverse

Be sure to watch the project's YouTube video as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLFteiXMJGg. I recently came across some intriguing photos that resembled miniature models or small objects. These pictures are known as tilt-shift photos. After seeing an impressive tilt-shift timelapse, I decided to explore how I could replicate this effect myself. Upon investigation, I discovered two primary methods: using a tilt-shift lens or applying the effect in post-production with software like Lightroom or Photoshop. However, both approaches had significant drawbacks. Tilt-shift lenses produce amazing results but are extremely pricey; the cheapest option I found was a Samyang lens priced at over $700. The alternative method doesn't require special equipment and can be applied to existing photos by editing them in post-production. Unfortunately, I often ended up with unrealistic outcomes. I questioned whether there was another way to achieve the desired effect. I conceived the idea of creating my own adapter that converts old vintage lenses into tilt-shift lenses. I chose vintage lenses because they are sharp, inexpensive, and easy to find, with a long flange distance, which is beneficial when making an adapter. I discovered the Helios 44-2 lens and a Zenit-E body in my grandparents' garage, and the lens was perfect for building. Initially, I thought this particular lens was rare, but research revealed it was readily available on eBay, making it relatively affordable. On average, a used copy costs between $20 and $40, depending on its condition. My lens was dirty, so I disassembled it and cleaned it, which had no impact on the optical performance but made focusing smoother. The next step was to design and 3D-print the adapter. Before starting the design process, I needed to ensure several constraints were met. The adapter had to be exactly 27mm long, calculated by subtracting the camera's flange distance from the lens's flange distance. The Helios 44-2 is an M42 lens, and all M42 lenses have a similar flange distance of around 45.5mm. Since I would be using it on a Sony mirrorless camera with an 18mm flange distance, the adapter needed to be 27mm long. Achieving infinite focus was impossible if this distance was exceeded. The second requirement was adjustability, which I initially experimented with but ultimately removed due to bulkiness. The final design features a full 360° rotational setting. The last requirement was a design consisting entirely of 3D-printed parts, allowing anyone to build it at home. This is what the final product looks like in Fusion 360. To demonstrate the iterative nature of the design process, I included all test pieces that led to the final design. The final assembly consists of eight individual parts, each constructed without supports. I won't delve into the printing details as they are beside the point of the video. If you're interested in the settings, times, and other details, please visit the project's Thingiverse page, linked in the description. Once all parts were printed, it was time for the final assembly. Almost no post-production was needed due to the careful design. Two subassemblies had to be prepared first: the thread adapter was press-fitted into the tilted barrel, and the cap came next before the sprocket, as it wouldn't fit afterwards. The second subassembly was the bajonet, which had to be snapped and glued together; printing it as one part wasn't feasible. The base for holding the barrel came on top, and in the end, the two components were glued together to form the final adapter. If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message.